Janteice Holston and her brothers spent most of their lives in Nebraska foster care, with brief reunifications with their mother.

Through 15 placements beginning a year or so after her birth, one person became a dependable port in Holston’s stormy childhood — her court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer, Diana Drew of Trumbull. Drew came into her life when Holston, now 21, was in fourth grade.

The CASA volunteer got things moving for the kids, Holston said. A lot of behind-the-scenes information wasn’t coming out in meetings and court hearings. Drew took time to get to know Holston and her brothers and was able to represent their interests.

“Anything that we needed, she was always there for,” Holston said.

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to speak in court for the safety and well-being of an abused or neglected child.

Corrie Kielty, executive director of CASA, said more volunteers like Drew are needed in Nebraska to represent state wards. A bill (LB126) that will get a hearing Tuesday with the Appropriations Committee would ensure more volunteers are recruited and trained for the many children in the child welfare system waiting for help.

The bill, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Amanda McGill, asks the Legislature to appropriate $500,000 in each of the next two fiscal years to help that effort, Kielty said. In the past two years, the state provided $300,000 to CASA for recruiting, training and expanding the programs.

That helped to increase the number of volunteers from 412 in 2010 to 634 in 2012.

But in the 37 counties served by 22 CASA programs, 1,665 children are waiting for volunteers, she said. About 750 to 800 more people are needed to fill that need.

New volunteers must have 30 hours of training before they can serve children, and current volunteers must have 12 hours a year of ongoing training.

Kielty said studies show a child served by a CASA volunteer spends four to five fewer months in the child welfare system. If every child had a volunteer, that reduction in care would amount to an estimated $12.5 million a month.

Children with CASA volunteers also have fewer placement changes, she said.

The organization will hold a gala March 23 at The Cornhusker to raise money. Holston will speak at the dinner and auction.

Her younger brother, who is still in the system, has lived with her in Hastings for about seven months. Drew is his CASA worker but also checks in frequently with Holston to see whether she needs anything.

Every foster child should have a CASA worker, Holston said.

“It’s really just a good support system,” she said. “You have that one person that’s not paid to be there. … They go out of their way to actually see you. And they’re on your side, more than anything.”

When a lot of other people were letting her down, Drew was there for her.

“She just really helped me learn how to trust people and know that there are good people in the world that I can rely on,” she said. “She has a really good heart.”

- Journal Star: JoAnne Young March 12, 2013

A state senator says there needs to be an attitude shift on mental illness if Nebraska is to address the problem of juvenile delinquency.

Sen. Amanda McGill of Lincoln says Nebraska can learn by the strides other states have made.

“There’s still a lot to learn about what mental health care should look like, integrated into that primary care setting. And, that’s the way we’re going,” McGill tells Capitol reporters. “It’s part of a growing national debate, but it also goes along with that attitude shift of people not being ashamed of mental health issues either in themselves or in their children and seeking out the right supports.”

McGill is one of the state senators looking into ways to move Nebraska away from the incarceration of juveniles to treatment. She proposes creating a pilot program specifically addressing mental illness among the state’s youth.

McGill says that not only is treatment needed, but more professionals are needed to offer the treatment.

“And it also means creating the workforce so that when people are seeking out that help that they’re getting quality therapist helping them, quality educated doctors who can make the right prescriptions or send them to therapy as opposed to a prescription,” according to McGill.

McGill says Nebraska also needs to study the work other states are doing in treatment mental illness among the young.

- Nebraska Radio Network: Brent Martin March 15, 2013

State Sen. Amanda McGill of Lincoln will make a presentation on human trafficking legislation for the Nebraska Chapter of the United Nations Association on Monday afternoon.

McGill has been active in the push for anti-trafficking laws in Nebraska and introduced LB255 to the state legislature in February as part of a three-year plan to combat human trafficking in the state, according to her website.

LB255 aims to protect those charged with prostitution if the person involved is a human trafficking victim. The bill would also protect minors from prostitution charges, allow victims to opt out of testifying if appearance in court would threaten their safety and increase penalties for those involved in “pimping” and solicitation. LB255 is a follow-up to LB1145, which McGill introduced last February. With its passing, LB1145 created Nebraska’s Human Trafficking Task Force and mandated a trafficking curriculum for state law enforcement.

The United Nations Association’s mission is to educate, inspire and mobilize Americans, according to its website. McGill’s presentation aims to do all three. Along with explaining LB255, she will “be sharing personal stories and letting folks know how they can get involved in helping to identify the problem and help women who are saved from trafficking,” she said. She’ll present at 12:30 p.m. at the Aldersgate Methodist Church on 84th and South streets.

Robert Haller, president of the UNA Nebraska Chapter, said he sees how McGill’s message matches the goals of the UNA.

“Sen. McGill has made herself knowledgeable about the worldwide prevalence of human trafficking in all forms and the bills she has introduced, especially LB 255, would put Nebraska clearly into collaboration with the national and world effort to stop human trafficking,” Haller said.

Sriyani Tidball, an advertising lecturer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and faculty adviser for Nebraska University Students Against Modern-day Slavery, has worked with McGill for two years. Tidball said she admires McGill for her dedication and for providing a push for human trafficking legislation in the state.

“Amanda is a very passionate person about standing up for the rights of our women and children in the state of Nebraska,” Tidball said. “Today we have bills waiting to become laws on human trafficking because of Sen. McGill’s persistence.”

Haller predicts McGill’s knowledge and passion will benefit those who attend the presentation.

“We believe that all Americans should be aware of the prevalence of human trafficking and the ways in which our state can make a difference,” Haller said.

- Daily Nebraskan: Mara Klecker March 25, 2013

LINCOLN, NE – Today, State Senator Amanda McGill introduced four bills supporting Nebraskans who have honorably served our state and country. Two bills support military members and spouses seeking work in licensed fields here in Nebraska.

“With the winding down of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, we have many young men and women returning home in need of jobs,” said Sen. McGill. “LB 892 will help them use relevant military experience to obtain the licenses needed to do similar jobs here in Nebraska.”

Two of the bills introduced by Sen. McGill focus on the availability of military license plates. Constituents expressed a desire to create these plates over the interim.

“Nebraska Armed Forces Pride Plates Legislation would be a display of great respect for the service men and women who are or who have served their country so nobly with honor, courage and commitment, and for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said retired U.S. Marine Corp Captain Jonathan Schwarz. “I would think and hope that all of Nebraska’s State Senators would gladly want to stand behind the men and women of the Armed Forces of this nation as well as their constituents in supporting this bill and I want to thank Senator Amanda McGill and her staff for their efforts in working on and backing this legislation.”

LB 892– Streamlines the process for those who have served our country and developed specific skills to get the license necessary to perform that job here at home. Also streamlines the process for military spouses with a license and experience from another state.

LB895 – Streamlines the process for a military spouse to get a teaching license in Nebraska if they have a license and experience from another state.

LB894 – Authorizes the spouse of a purple heart recipient to keep a purple heart plate after his/her spouse passes away.

LB893 – Creates Nebraska Armed Forces Pride Plates.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, State Senator Amanda McGill introduced two bills to strengthen state laws and programing pertaining to human trafficking. The Judiciary Committee studied the problem of human trafficking, including forced prostitution, during an interim study in December.

“Since last spring, I’ve been meeting with a variety of scholars, law enforcement officials and concerned citizens who want to put an end to this modern form of slavery,” said Sen. McGill. “We’ve put together a comprehensive package of laws that addresses multiple aspects of the problem from law enforcement training to harsher penalties for pimps.”

LB 1145 includes the following provisions:
* Requires posting the National Human Trafficking Hotline in key establishments.
* Requires mandatory training on human trafficking for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, officials involved with juvenile detention and prosecution, and other relevant government officials.
* Allows victims of sex trafficking to file a motion to vacate a conviction of prostitution.
* Authorizes law enforcement officials to seize property obtained due to a violation of the state human trafficking statute. This property would then be subject to forfeiture.
* Establishes a commission to study and investigate key aspects of human trafficking including the availability of victim services and the scope of human trafficking in the state.
* Provides tougher penalties for solicitors of prostitution.

LB 1146 provides funds to carry out the Nebraska Prostitution and Treatment Act. The act was passed in 2006, but funding for the program was vetoed two years in a row by the Governor. The proposed $20,000 would provide diversion and treatment services to those charged with prostitution.

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Lincoln, NE – A public hearing will be held on Thursday on two of State Senator Amanda McGill’s proposals to provide for the needs of foster children throughout Nebraska.
LB 1149 restructures the way case management is provided by the state and private agencies. The bill specifies:

- child welfare caseloads will be in compliance with national best practice standards;

- all child welfare case management duties can be executed by one person instead of these duties being split between two people, one a government employee and one a contracted employee, as is the case in some parts of the state under the current scheme; and

- a process for funding Nebraska’s child welfare system that is transparent and responsible.

Child welfare caseloads in Nebraska are measured by number of “cases” or families on a caseload. Nationally recognized best practice standards advise that caseloads should be measured by the number of children on a caseload, not by the number of families. Under the current method of caseload calculation, a child welfare caseworker may have 17 families on a caseload, which appears to comply with best practice standards. The reality of this situation, however, is that this case worker may be responsible for 30-40 children as most families have multiple children involved with the system.

Under the current scheme of privatized child welfare, case management duties are split between two individuals. This system is extremely confusing for families and has proven to be inefficient and ineffective. Children and families can best be served with one case manager, who has a manageable work load.

LB 1150, the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Services Act, would allow eligible youth to stay in foster care until age 21. The bill also provides that extended Medicaid and post-secondary education assistance would be available to more former foster youth than currently qualify for this assistance under NDHHS policy.

Research indicates that youth who continue to receive services during this transition period have improved chances of success when they transition from care and that providing these services also saves money in the long run, yielding an approximately two to one return on the investment.

Amy Peters, age 22, a former ward that was in state custody for 6 years, said, “I believe that the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Services Act is a big step toward ensuring that young adults who age out of the foster care system in Nebraska are given the tools they need to transition and become successful adults. Furthermore, I admire Senator McGill for not only taking the initiative to introduce the bill, but for reaching out to foster care alumni and giving us the opportunity to give feedback about the bill before introducing it. With this sort of collaboration, I truly believe that this piece of legislation will help to better serve foster youth in Nebraska.”

Janteice Holston, age 20, a former ward that was in state custody for 17 years, said, “When my case was dismissed I lacked all the necessary supports I needed to succeed. I ended up dropping out of college and working as much as possible to survive. I didn’t want to, but it was really the only choice I had. I believe having something like this bill in place during my transition would have made a life changing difference. It would have meant less stress about wondering where I’m going to live, how I’m going to pay my bills, or pay for my asthma medicine with no insurance and more time on studying, building relationships, personal growth, and so much more.”

Jacob Rusher, age 20, a former ward that was in state custody for 14 years, said, “I bounced in and out of foster care from age 5 to 12 and stayed in foster care from 12 to 19 when I aged out.  If the “Youth Supports Act” were available to me when I aged out at 19, I wouldn’t have had to wonder where I might sleep for so many nights.  It would have had a very positive effect on my life, the stability and structure would have made it feel like I was not doing it all on my own.  It would have eased a lot of the struggle I went through and made life just not so difficult.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LINCOLN, NE – Today, State Senator Amanda McGill introduced legislation to give Nebraska credit unions the ability to offer savings promotion raffles.  Participants in this innovative product can save money for their future while earning a chance at a reward.  Senator McGill, along with the Nebraska Credit Union League, intend for this new product to boost savings amongst all Nebraskans, specifically those that are most financially vulnerable.

“Studies show the average American family spends $540 a year on lottery tickets, when they should arguably be saving some of that money in case of an emergency,” said McGill. “Saving raffles are a financially safe way to promote savings among Nebraska families while allowing them a chance to win.”

If the legislation passes, Nebraska would be the third state in the country to allow for this revolutionary financial product.  Doorways to Dreams, a national non-profit specializing in expanding asset building opportunities for American families, completed a pilot savings promotion raffle in Michigan during 2009. Remarkably, Michiganians saved over $8.5 million dollars through the program, many of which were people who didn’t have a savings account before hand. The participating credit unions offered entries for monthly prizes and a large grand prize each time members deposited $25 to this prize-linked savings account.  The prizes are taken from part of the interest that would have otherwise been earned on the savings accounts.

“This legislation is important because it encourages and incentivizes Nebraskan’s to save for their future in a way that is not only fun but builds a habit of savings for those who participate”, said Scott Sullivan, President/CEO of the Nebraska Credit Union League.

Doorways to Dreams emerged from research conducted in the late 1990s by Harvard Business School professor and Senior Associate Dean, Peter Tufano.  http://www.d2dfund.org/

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Contact: Rachel Boyer (402) 471-2610

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Senator Amanda McGill designated LB 925, introduced by Senator Danielle Conrad, as her legislative priority bill for the 2010 session. This bill would require the employment of Nebraskans for public works projects during periods of excessive unemployment.

“LB 925 is a great way to improve the lives of Nebraskans currently affected by job loss,” said Senator McGill. “We need to look out for the citizens of our own state, and this bill gives us an opportunity to do that.”

Nebraska unemployment rates were at their highest in July of 2009, and are still hovering at just below 5 percent. It was the extraordinary circumstances of this past year that prompted the introduction of LB 925. The bill is targeted at periods of “excessive unemployment”, and defines that as any month immediately following two consecutive months with an unemployment rate of 5 percent.

“We’d like to thank Senator McGill for her leadership and vision on this issue”, said Clint Burge, Business Manager of Local 265 IBEW. “Nebraska families are struggling to make ends meet, and we appreciate Senator McGill’s willingness to support them in these difficult economic times.”

The Business and Labor Committee is currently working on an amendment that will further define public works construction projects, allow for the employment of any person living within a 50-mile radius of such a project, and reduce the definition of excessive unemployment to 4 percent.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Senator Amanda McGill introduced LB 992, which would allow Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for the treatment of sexually transmitted disease (STD). EPT is the practice of allowing a patient infected with an STD to deliver oral medication or prescriptions to an exposed sex partner. It is currently permissable in 15 states, and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Medical Association.

“This bill would be an important step forward in the fight to reduce STD rates,” said Senator McGill. “It would give doctors another way to reach those people who are afraid to seek treatment themselves or do not know they have been infected.”

STD rates in Nebraska have been in the spotlight since 2004 when Douglas County declared an epidemic. In 2007, the Douglas County Health Department reported the chlamydia rate in Douglas County was almost 70 percent higher than the average U.S. rate. Although they have not reached an epidemic rate, Lancaster County has also tackled rising STD rates in recent years.

“The CDC has identified that for every person treated, another two people exist who were unknowingly infected,” said Dr. Adi Pour, Director of the Douglas County Health Department. “EPT would greatly help us in identifying and treating those people.”

Obtaining an in-person exam is still the preferred option for STD treatment, and EPT would be permitted only if the medical professional believes the partner is unable or unwilling to seek in-person care. In addition to the prescriptions or medications, providers would also be required to provide written materials dealing with allergy warnings, directions, and general information on STD treatment and prevention.